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PL-series Powerlite Amplifiers
PL3200 (172.232)
PL3800 (172.238)
User Manual
Features:
Class H, 2-step architecture
Compact and light weight
High efficiency, high output
Independent dual-level clip limiters
Independent dual-level high-pass filters
Stereo, Parallel or Bridge Mono modes
Fully balanced signal path
Dual fan cooling
Soft-start on power up
Multi-level system protection
www.citronic.com
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Introduction:
15. PM Protect Mode indicator 5. SIGNAL indicators
16. BM Bridge Mono mode indicator 6. CH1 and CH2 level controls
17. CLIP indicators 7. Cooling vent
18. OUTPUT indicators 8. POWER switch
Thank you for choosing this Citronic Powerlite amplifier. This product has been designed to exacting standards to
provide accurate, immediate high power on demand whilst remaining very lightweight and compact for easy
portability. The class H architecture and innate protection circuitry are designed to provide reliable service for many
years. Please, however, read and follow these instructions to attain the best performance from this amplifier and
avoid mis-use through incorrect operation.
Warning:
To prevent the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose any of the components to rain or moisture.
If liquids are spilled on the casing, stop using immediately, allow unit to dry out and have checked by qualified
personnel before further use.
Avoid impact, extreme pressure or heavy vibration to the case
No user serviceable parts inside – Do not open the case – refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Safety
Check for correct mains voltage and condition of IEC lead before connecting to power outlet.
Ensure speaker leads are good condition with no short connections or damaged plugs
Check impedance of speaker loads do not exceed the minimum stated load for the amplifier
Do not allow any foreign objects to enter the case or through the ventilation grilles.
Placement
Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Keep away from damp or dusty environments.
When rack-mounting, ensure adequate support for the base of the amplifier and firm fixings for the front.
Ensure adequate air-flow and do not cover cooling vents at the front and rear of the amplifier
Ensure adequate access to controls and connections
Cleaning
Use a soft cloth with a neutral detergent to clean the casing as required
Use a vacuum cleaner to clear ventilation grilles of any dust or debris build-ups
Do not use strong solvents for cleaning the unit.
Front Panel
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Rear Panel
9. Mains inlet - IEC 15. CLIP LIMITER switch
10. CH2 output 16. GAIN input level selector
11. Bridge mono output 17. MODE switch (Parallel/Stereo/Bridge)
12. CH1 output 18. CH1 and CH2 High Pass Filters (HPF)
13. Cooling vent 19. GROUND LIFT switch
14. Combo signal inputs (XLR or jack) 20. Signal line outputs (XLR)
Operation
Connect speaker cabinets to channel outputs using good quality leads and ensuring that the combined load on
each channel is no lower than 4Ω (for speaker loads connected from one to another, 8Ω + 8Ω = 4Ω).
Connect the left and right signal input from mixer or other line level source via the combo connectors on the rear
panel using good quality 6.3mm jack or XLR leads.
If the signal is to be cascaded onto other amplifiers, connect these via the XLR line level outputs.
Connect the amplifier to the mains outlet, making sure that the IEC lead is in good condition and connected
securely.
For extra protection of speakers and amplifier, the CLIP LIMITER may be switched in to help prevent overload.
In some extreme cases, the operation of the clip limiter can be obtrusive. In these cases, disable the clip limiter and
use a dedicated compressor/limiter to control the high dynamics.
If the amplifier is not driving sub cabinets or is driving cabinets which cannot produce very low frequencies, the High
Pass Filters (HPF) may be switched in to avoid excessively low frequencies, which will not be able to be reproduced
and thus dissipate as heat, reducing efficiency. Settings for 30Hz and 50Hz are available.
Select the GAIN level of the input signals (standard is 26dB – may also be used to curtail the input level)
Select the mode in which the amplifier is to be used…
PARALLEL sums both left and right input signals together and feeds the mono signal to both amplifier
outputs. This is useful when driving sub cabinets (which, in arrays, benefit from working together in mono)
and when each channel is powering speakers in different areas (avoiding one area hearing only left output
and the other only right)
STEREO is the normal mode of operation where each input is delivered to each output independently
BRIDGE mode couples both amplifier sections together to deliver the full rated power to a single output.
The minimum impedance is 8Ω in this mode. An LED (“BM”) shows when this mode is engaged
The GROUND LIFT switch disconnects signal ground (or “earth”) from mains ground. In certain cases, it may help
to alleviate mains hum – otherwise, leave ground connected to mains ground.
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With CH1 and CH2 level controls turned fully down, switch on the power to the amplifier. This product has a “soft-
SPECIFICATIONS
PL3200
PL3800
Power supply
230Vac 50/60Hz (IEC, 15A max.)
Output: RMS @ 4Ω
2 x 1600W
2 x 1900W
Output: RMS @ 8Ω
2 x 915W
2 x 1100W
Bridge power: RMS @ 8Ω
3200W
3800W
Input impedance
20kΩ
Output circuit architecture
Class H, 2-step
Frequency response
5Hz – 50kHz
S/N ratio
>111dB
>112dB
THD
0.05%
Circuit protection
Short-circuit, DC, overload, soft-start
Dimensions
88 x 483 x 389mm
Weight
10.5kg
No power light on front panel switch
Ensure IEC is connected to mains and mains lead is in good condition
Ensure mains outlet is switched on
Power light is on but no other LEDs and not
output
Check input signal and connection leads
Ensure CH1 and CH2 level controls are not turned fully down
Power light and Signal LEDs are lit but no
output
Check speaker cabinets are not blown and are in good working order
Check speaker leads are in good condition and connected properly
“PM” (Protect Mode) LED is lit and there is no
output
Switch off and disconnect from mains
Check speakers are in good working order and not shorted out (using a
multi-tester)
After checking all connected items, power up again
If still in Protect Mode, switch off again and refer to qualified service
personnel
Output is very distorted and “CLIP” LEDs are
lighting
Check speaker impedance is not below rated Ohms
Turn down Input level from audio source
Switch GAIN at rear to a lower level
Turn down CH1 and CH2 level controls
Output is working but at very low level
Ensure input source is at line level
Increase input level from audio source
Turn up CH1 and CH2 level controls
Switch GAIN at rear to a higher level
start” function which makes some checks before engaging power to the amplifiers, which may take a few seconds.
With mixer (or other signal source) levels turned down, gradually increase the amplifier’s CH1 and CH2 level
controls to the required level (normally full) and then gradually increase the signal level from the mixer until sound
can be heard through the speakers and then up to the required level.
During use, the LED indicators will show if a signal is present, if half output is being produced and if the output is
reaching clip level. If the red CLIP LEDs illuminate more than very briefly, reduce the volume until they hardly light
up at all.
If the internal protection circuitry detects a fault in the speakers or amp, the amplifier will enter Protect Mode and a
“PM” LED will illuminate on the front panel to show this. Switch the amplifier off and check the entire system
(including leads) before powering up again. If still in Protect Mode, seek advice from qualified service personnel.
Before powering down, turn CH1 and CH2 level controls fully down to avoid loud noises when switching off.
Troubleshooting
Note: for further troubleshooting, refer equipment to qualified service personnel for testing
© Citronic 2011
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